Anthropogenic pressure in Czech protected areas over the last 60 years: A concerning increase

Abstract

This article focuses on the evolution of anthropogenic pressure across Czech large-scale protected areas (protected landscape areas and national parks, n = 30) over the last 60 years. In four periods (1960s; 1990; 2004; between 2016 and 2020) we analysed the development of artificial structures (built-up areas, recreational areas, roads, dirt roads, and streets) and their impact on landscape fragmentation. These spatial data were derived from topographic maps and aerial imageries and then statistically compared. Principally, built-up and recreational areas have increased; however, intensity varied across protected areas (PAs). Built-up areas have grown more in PAs close to large towns, especially after 1990 as protection did not prevent suburbanization in the PAs. Furthermore, PAs with more built-up areas also have more buildable areas; therefore, further ongoing development is expected. Recreational areas are present the most in some mountainous areas, such as ski resorts, and near large towns and spa towns (e.g. golf courses). The density of roads was more or less stable during the study period. Dirt road density differed within PAs according to the prevalent type of landscape: growth or stagnation in forested areas due to recreation and logging purposes and a decline in agricultural land, mainly as a consequence of collectivization in 1950 s followed by landscape unification and the creation of large patches of agricultural land. To sum up, anthropogenic pressure increased with landscape fragmentation, but these impacts are different across Czechia; in peripheral, attractive or peri-urban areas, which is important from landscape management point of view.